Middle Atlantic Region's History and People, Part 2
By Trista L. Pollard

1 In Middle Atlantic Region's History and People, Part 1, you read about the historical events that shaped our region. Now you will read about the people who have helped the region to grow.2 Immigration grew during the 1800's. This is when New York City became a gateway for immigrants. In 1892, Ellis Island opened in New York Harbor. It was a station for immigrants. This would be their first stop after getting off ships from Europe. They would have medical exams. Their names were also written down. Over 12 million immigrants made their way through Ellis Island. As they sailed into the harbor, they would see the Statue of Liberty. It was given as a gift by France in 1888. Both of these are famous landmarks today. It was used as an immigrant station until 1952. Now it is a museum. If you visit Ellis Island, you can see the names of some of these immigrants.3 Once they arrived, these European immigrants settled in New York City. Others moved to upstate New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. The entire region became an industrial area. Many of these immigrants worked in factories and mills throughout the region. Pennsylvania's coal and steel industries grew during this time. The textile factories in Manhattan had many young women and men who helped to make clothes. They also worked in shipping at ports in New York, New Jersey, and along the Erie Canal. These immigrants were a huge reason the region grew. People still continue to come to the region today. In addition to Europe, they come from Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.